The 35-year-old has struggled with his batting in the Test arena over the last few years and his keeping has also looked shaky recently, especially in the Newlands Test.

The next three games for the Cobras will therefore be vital for Boucher to regain his form ahead of the Kiwi tour.

With Boucher returning to the Cobras fold it means that current keeper Dane Vilas might struggle for a spot. Vilas made headlines earlier this month when he smacked 187 against the Knights in Kimberley.

In that game he achieved a world best wicketkeeping performance when he became the first player to score more than 150 and complete 10 dismissals behind the stumps as the Cape Cobras overwhelmed the Knights by an innings and 54 runs.

Vilas is therefore one of the contenders for Boucher's spot in the national Test line-up. He might still play for the Cobras solely as a batsman while Boucher does duty behind the stumps.

The Cobras have also been bolstered by the return of experienced bowlers Robin Peterson and Charl Langeveldt.

In the weekend's other matches the Dolphins take on the Warriors in Durban and the Knights clash with the Lions in Johannesburg.

Sport24

Comments

granville.paulse - 2012-01-25 08:20

Vilas making a strong case for himself here.

PatPion - 2012-01-25 09:09

I agree fully.

Sedick - 2012-01-25 10:59

Yes, now with Boucher as W/K the Cobras can kiss their SS trophy goodbye.......

Caleb - 2012-01-25 11:30

Thanks for your service boucher but Vilas has clearly put his hand up!

Brevan - 2012-01-25 13:21

Honestly, neither Boucher or Vilas is good enough for the test team. I honestly think that Vilas is the weakest gloveman in the country (playing franchise cricket). He's probably one of the best 2 batsmen (amongst keepers) though. In test cricket you have to have the best gloveman behind the stumps, not the one that can score you the most runs.